The left side wins thanks to the Atlantic coastline, Florida peninsula scenery, and a scenic Miami Beach/Biscayne Bay approach, while the right side offers only flat inland terrain for the whole flight.
Flight Path
Coastal Georgia and northern Florida's flat pine forests and marshland, with occasional glimpses of the Atlantic coastline near Jacksonville before the route continues south over central Florida's lakes and citrus groves toward Miami.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from RDU
LEFTDeparting RDU to the southwest before turning south, the left side offers a brief glimpse of the Piedmont's rolling hills and scattered lakes, while the right side shows only flat, featureless suburban sprawl.
Landing at MIA
LEFTOn approach into MIA from the north, the left side faces east toward the Atlantic coastline, giving passengers a sweeping view of Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach's barrier islands, and the downtown Miami skyline just before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Miami International (MIA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Raleigh-Durham to Miami. The left side wins thanks to the Atlantic coastline, Florida peninsula scenery, and a scenic Miami Beach/Biscayne Bay approach, while the right side offers only flat inland terrain for the whole flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Raleigh Durham International in Raleigh-Durham?
During takeoff from Raleigh Durham International (RDU), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing RDU to the southwest before turning south, the left side offers a brief glimpse of the Piedmont's rolling hills and scattered lakes, while the right side shows only flat, featureless suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Falls Lake, Piedmont forest patchwork, Raleigh suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Miami International in Miami?
When landing at Miami International (MIA), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into MIA from the north, the left side faces east toward the Atlantic coastline, giving passengers a sweeping view of Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach's barrier islands, and the downtown Miami skyline just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach, downtown Miami skyline, Port of Miami.
How long is the flight from Raleigh-Durham to Miami?
The flight from Raleigh Durham International (RDU) to Miami International (MIA) takes 2h 05m.
What does the Raleigh-Durham to Miami flight path pass over?
Coastal Georgia and northern Florida's flat pine forests and marshland, with occasional glimpses of the Atlantic coastline near Jacksonville before the route continues south over central Florida's lakes and citrus groves toward Miami.